Definition

Noun: 1. A preliminary version of a film: The "rough cut" is the initial edited version of a movie, assembled after preliminary editing. It contains the main sequence of scenes but lacks final refinements like sound mixing, color correction, visual effects, and precise timing.

Usage

The term is used specifically in film and video production to describe an early, unpolished stage of the editing process. - The director showed the producers a rough cut of the film to get their initial feedback. - After assembling the rough cut, the editor's next task was to refine the pacing.

Advanced Usage

• "To screen a rough cut": To show this preliminary version to a select audience (e.g., producers, test audiences) for feedback.
  • The studio executives were nervous after screening the three-hour rough cut.

Variants and Related Words

• Fine cut (n): A later, more polished stage of editing that comes after the rough cut.
• Final cut (n): The completed, definitive version of a film ready for distribution.
• Rough edit (n): A synonym for "rough cut," though "rough cut" is the more standard industry term.

Synonyms

• First cut
• Assembly edit
• Preliminary edit

Related Phrases

• "Lock the picture": To finalize the visual edit, after which no more changes are made to the sequence or timing of shots. This typically happens after the rough and fine cut stages.
  • We can't begin the sound design until we lock the picture.

Noun

1. the first print of a movie after preliminary editing